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Norwich Devils 4
Kent Exiles 22
The Norwich Devils were defeated for the first time in over a year with a loss
at fancied Kent Exiles.
The Devils started the game on offense but went 3 and out on their first
possession, but a long kick by Devils' punter Ian Burchett and a big tackle by
Daunte Saloy left the Exiles on their own 1 yard line. Next play, linebacker
Steve Hoskins caught the Exiles in their own end zone for a two point safety.
Two possessions later, with defenses largely on top, and Norwich facing a third
and 20, Norwich quarterback Troy Schmidgall was intercepted by Exiles defensive
back Baron D'Anyangwe who returned it 41 yards to the Norwich 2 yard line where
James Anderson made the touchdown saving tackle, but next play the Exiles went
in front through running back Andre Becker's run. Mark Evans' extra point kick
fell short to leave the Devils trailing 2 - 6.
In the second quarter Kent moved further ahead when quarterback Aaron Griffiths
found receiver Richard McHugh with a 29 yard scoring pass, capping a 10 play 72
yard drive. Evans' kick was good this time to put Kent 13 - 2 in front. Just
before half time Kent increased their lead when Evens hit a 23 yard field goal
to leave the Devils down 2 - 16 at the half.
In the third quarter Kent thought they had scored again on a 5 yard run by
Robert Stewart but it was ruled out for holding, and then Evans' 22 yard field
goal attempt sailed wide left. The Exiles started the fourth quarter strongly
with Stewart running for 55 yards on two carries to take the ball to the
Norwich 5 yard line, and 4 plays later Griffiths went in for the score on a 1
yard quarterback sneak. Evans' extra point kick was blocked by Hoskins and then
picked up by Devils cornerback Quincy McGill who ran the whole length of the
pitch for a 2 point score. Although both teams had several more possessions,
there was no further scoring in the game.
Norwich now face tough back-to-back
games against the Sussex Thunder, travelling to Sussex next weekend before returning to Norwich two weeks later, playing at the Hewitt School on Sunday 22nd June.